Choosing the Right Business Broadband

June 21st, 2011 | Broadband, Business Broadband

Choosing Business Broadband

If you are running your own business, it is highly likely that you have a regular need for internet access.  Most modern businesses rely on internet enabled solutions such as email, data storage, data transmission, advertising and other marketing methods, ordering and selling platforms and client interface. 

Choosing the right business broadband can be one of the most important decisions you have to make for your business.  Faster internet speeds can significantly affect your overall business performance.  Staff can communicate faster, increasing their productivity.  You can reach wider audiences than ever before from an advertising and marketing perspective.  You can store and transmit large amounts of data and take orders for your products and services from around the world.

Package Deals

Business broadband packages are offered by a range of internet service providers in the UK.  You can start checking the available packages and prices, as well as potential special offers and discount deals, by finding out which companies offer services in your area.  If your working environment is in a city or large town, it is highly likely that you will be able to choose from a number of providers.  Out of town locations are potentially affected by a sparseness of broadband service providers, in which case you can consider a mobile broadband package.

User Numbers

Broadband access is commonly offered as a set service, regardless of the number of users.  This means that you can have all of your business computers linked to your broadband service.  Your workforce will thus be able to work faster than ever before.

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Talk Talk Broadband – how does it compare?

June 12th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers

About Talk Talk

Talk Talk aims to bring fast download speeds with unlimited download and attractive call packages.  Talk Talk keeps things simple with just two packages to choose from – Essentials and Plus.  Talk Talk, owned by Carphone Warehouse, is growing by acquiring competitors, having bought out AOL and Tiscali.

Entry-Level
The entry-level package, Talk Talk Essentials, comes with a monthly limit of 40GB, which they say is 55 feature films or 900 albums.  A free wireless router is supplied, and they promise to supply the fastest broadband they can.  Additionally, they provide unlimited evening and weekend calls to UK landlines, unlimited free calls to other Talk Talk numbers, and discounts on calls to 16 mobile and international numbers.  The tie-in is 18 months and the cost is £6.99 a month, plus £12.30 a month line rental.

Top of the Range

Talk Talk Plus package has no limit to the amount of downloading you can do.  They promise to supply the fastest broadband they can and provide a free, super-fast, third-generation wireless router.  Also, they provide unlimited free calls to all UK landlines anytime.  Calls to UK mobiles are at the flat rate of 7p a minute at anytime of the day, and discounts on calls to 16 mobile and international numbers.  The contract is for a minimum of 18 months, with a requirement that payments are made by monthly direct debit.  Line rental is provided by Talk Talk instead of BT, and costs £12.30 a month with £14.99 a month for Plus.

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How to Compare Broadband Providers

June 6th, 2011 | Broadband Comparison, Broadband Deals, Broadband Providers

Before you purchase broadband service, compare the available broadband providers in your area.  Depending on your needs, you must choose a provider that offers the speed you want combined with a price you are comfortable with.  Finding the perfect marriage between the two requires a little shopping around.

Speeds

When you decide to purchase broadband, speed is a key factor.  Most broadband providers offer speeds between 20 Mbps and 30 Mbps.  If you want a faster connection, but do not download or stream often, a slower speed can save you money, but still make browsing faster.  Some providers offer plans with speeds around 10 Mbps.  A slower speed is perfect for those who only use the internet for casual browsing, such as checking email, shopping and the latest news stories.

Contract

If you do not want to be tied down to a broadband provider, consider the length of the contract before you buy. Most providers offer a significant discount on installation and equipment when you enter a contract plan. Contracts are usually one to two years, but can be as few as six months.  If you choose not to enter into a contract, you are responsible for all installation and equipment fees.

Download Restrictions

Even with an always-on connection, some broadband providers restrict your monthly downloads.  Going over your limit may result in slower speeds, additional fees or a temporary end to your service for the rest of the month.  Restricted plans are usually cheaper, but require you to monitor your usage.

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Broadband Routers

May 29th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment

What is a Broadband Router?

A broadband router is a device that converts and broadcasts telephone line signals into a fixed area.  A broadband router works similarly to a cordless telephone.  It is useful if you want to establish connectivity throughout a defined space.  You can use the internet from a laptop or other personal computer from any point within this space.  Broadband routers are frequently used is in the home, where people want to move around with their laptop, or connect multiple computers to the internet.

Wireless Broadband Routers

Wireless broadband routers are most often used in a domestic setting.  The main advantages of using a wireless router are that it simplifies internet connection and enables freedom of movement.  You do not have to use a connection lead, portable modem or USB stick/dongle, but can instead rely on the electric signalling of the wireless router.  You can also move from room to room and stay connected, which is useful if you are carrying a laptop or other portable computing device.
A wireless broadband router means multiple users can access the internet from around the home.  You do not have to wait for your chance to use the internet as can often be the case with a dialup connection.

Choosing a Broadband Router

Broadband routers are often offered as part of a broadband package.  Alternatively, you can buy a broadband router separately.  Check the advertised strength of the router if you live in a large home or have especially thick walls or floors.

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Fibre Optic Broadband Explained

May 21st, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment

What is Fibre Optic Broadband?

Fibre optic broadband is different from ADSL broadband, which is delivered using copper telephone wiring.  Fibre optic broadband utilizes glass or plastic cables: this material has proven to be more amenable to fast data transfer than traditional copper wiring.  Fibre optic broadband tends to be faster than ADSL broadband. 

Fibre Optic Broadband Service Providers

Currently the only two fibre optic broadband service providers in the United Kingdom are Virgin Media and BT.  Customers who are interested in fibre optic broadband deals are often attracted by the fact that internet speed is higher.  A fibre optic broadband service reduces the time spent loading webpages, downloading or uploading data, or sending and receiving emails and other electronic messages.

Fibre Optic Broadband Packages

Both Virgin Media and BT offer several fibre optic broadband packages.  These can vary over time, both in what they include and in how much they cost.  The broadband internet market in general is highly active, meaning new deals, packages, special offers and discounts are available throughout the year.

Some of the most common fibre optic broadband packages include broadband and home telephone service deals, and broadband bundles combining fast internet, home telephone, digital television, mobile telephone and mobile broadband.

Checking Availability in Your Area

Fibre optic broadband is not available throughout the UK.  You can check whether you are living in an area with fibre optic broadband provision by checking with the providers in your area.  They can check using your post code and telephone number.

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Mobile Broadband: Laptops With Built-In Broadband Access

May 12th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment, Wi-Fi Networks

Laptops with Built-in Broadband Access

Laptops with built-in broadband access are one the newest ways in which you can access the internet using a mobile connection.  You can take your laptop with you while travelling for work or for pleasure.  The built-in broadband access can establish an internet connection wherever there is a mobile telephone signal.  You do not need an external modem, USB stick or other mobile broadband device.

Mobile Broadband

Mobile broadband is itself at the cutting edge of broadband technology.  Most mobile broadband users use 3G technology and an external connection device such as a portable modem.  Mobile broadband works wherever there is a mobile telephone signal.  It is popular with frequent travellers or users living in rural areas that lack alternative broadband provision.

Built-in Broadband Technology

Built-in broadband access technology uses high speed mobile broadband (HSDPA), 3G and GPRS networks.  Laptops with built-in broadband access, similar to mobile telephones, use a SIM card.  The installed software means users can connect easily using a broadband service. 

If you are thinking of buying a laptop with built-in broadband access, ensure that you consider how much you are likely to use it.  If you have to use it continuously while travelling, you are advised to buy the laptop with the strongest battery life, or perhaps to invest in an additional battery you can switch to.  Laptops with built-in broadband access can use a lot of power, although they are commonly built with strong batteries to minimise the need for recharging or replacement.

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Opting for Broadband

May 6th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Equipment, Broadband Providers

Broadband is now the connection of choice for accessing the internet and its vast array of services. Not to do so is like preferring an abacus to an electronic calculator, and in fact the choice is no longer there for most homes.

Broadband download speeds are getting on for 500 times faster than dial-up and the trend looks set to continue, and technical developments on the internet are keeping up with speeds that once limited the applications that could be realistically used on the net.

There are a great many broadband providers offering a bewildering array of deals, with connection speed and level of usage the deciding factors in determining the price. Light, medium and heavy usage will each entail its own price bracket, with light being normal domestic and heavy the corporate user who will need the fastest connection available and a high level of technical support.

Some broadband providers will allow usage that is unlimited, whilst others will place a monthly cap on it, so again you’ll have to decide what you want the connection for.

There are so many competitors out there that competition is fierce and all broadband providers come up with promotions and special offers on an almost daily basis to undercut their rivals, so it’s worth getting onto a broadband comparison website to see what the latest deals are if you’re thinking of signing up for the first time or changing provider.

Orange Home Broadband, Tiscali Broadband, TalkTalk Broadband, O2 Broadband and Tesco Broadband are just a few of the broadband suppliers vying for your custom, so take your time and shop around. 

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Benefits of Mobile Broadband

April 29th, 2011 | Broadband, Mobile Broadband

When most people think of broadband, they think of high-speed home internet connections.  If your schedule requires a lot of travel or regular broadband is not available in your area, consider mobile broadband.   Although speeds are typically slower, mobile broadband has numerous benefits.

Connect Anywhere

Mobile broadband lets you take your broadband connection with you wherever there is mobile broadband service.  Your service area will vary based on your mobile broadband provider.  With a portable USB modem or Wi-Fi hotspot modem, you can connect your computer almost anywhere.  You can also use mobile broadband on your mobile device, such as your smartphone.

Coverage in Rural Areas

Some areas do not have access to regular broadband connections because they require the broadband provider to run cables through the area.  Mobile broadband reaches out to many of these areas to provide a high-speed internet connection, even in rural areas.

Faster than Dial-Up

Broadband in general is much faster than dial-up.  Mobile broadband connections are slightly slower than typical broadband connections, but not by much.  If all you have is access to dial-up, a mobile broadband connection will reach speeds of over 10 times faster than a dial-up connection.

Easy to Turn Off

Instead of an always-on connection, mobile broadband is easily turned off.  This prevents outside users from using your connection for free.  Since it can be turned off, your network and computer stays more secure from outside threats.

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Broadband UK Coverage

April 21st, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Providers, Mobile Broadband

Choosing Broadband

For many, broadband has become the preferred way to connect to the internet.  Broadband is a high speed internet connection, and is much faster than the older dialup method.  Broadband enables fast downloading or uploading of data, music and film streaming and fast webpage browsing.  Broadband allows users to be online throughout the time they are using their computers; there is no need to carefully monitor the number of minutes online, as is necessary with dialup.

Broadband UK
 
Broadband in the UK is not a universal service.  Broadband is privately provided.  Internet service providers (ISPs) invest in infrastructure and sometimes installation.  This means that they are seeking ways to recoup their costs from their customers.  In rural areas, the cost of providing the necessary broadband infrastructure is typically higher than the money to be made from the small number of customers.

Broadband, therefore, is mostly available in cities and large towns.  In rural areas, mobile broadband is an option.  Mobile broadband works wherever there is a mobile telephone signal.  Mobile broadband operates using a portable modem, USB stick or dongle, or a laptop with built-in broadband access.

Broadband UK: Making a Lifestyle Choice

Switching to broadband can have a significant effect on the way you live your life.  Fast internet access means you can have constant access to news, shopping, travel or other types of websites.  Moreover, with the advent of Web 2.0, you can now engage with others using an array of social media such as Facebook, blogs or online forums.

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Restrictions from Broadband Providers

April 12th, 2011 | Broadband, Broadband Providers

To avoid congested networks, which reduce speeds for everyone on the network, many broadband providers restrict usage.  Restricting usage means you can only send and receive a set amount of data each month.  You should always be aware of any restrictions and penalties for going over your monthly limit.

Types of Restrictions

There are two types of common broadband restrictions: usage during certain times and set usage amount.  Some broadband providers restrict your upload and download speeds during peak usage times if you use over a certain amount of data.  For instance, if you try to stream a movie during a peak time, your speeds may be slowed until the peak time is over, at which point you can use as much bandwidth as you want.

A set usage amount is put in place by many providers, meaning you can only use the specified amount of bandwidth each month.  Sometimes the two types of restrictions are combined.  During peak times, your data usage is restricted to a set amount.  During off-peak times, your usage is not restricted.  This offers the best of both worlds.

Penalties

The most severe penalty is the cancellation of your service.  This can happen if you consistently ignore restrictions, as this causes problems for other users.

The most common penalty is a slowing of your broadband speed.  If you try to use more data than you are allowed, your speeds may be slowed for a day, a week or until the end of the month.  Another penalty is to charge users a set fee for each MB, which adds up quickly.

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